No one looks forward to opening their energy bill. In fact, one survey found that 78% of Americans are stressed about high home energy costs. And it’s no wonder: electricity prices have climbed more than 28% between 2019 and 2024 with no signs of slowing down. Managing your household budget under that pressure can feel overwhelming, but you’re not helpless—a few simple changes can lighten the load.
Cutting back on energy use doesn’t have to mean big sacrifices. A few simple changes can add up to real savings—it all comes down to your habits. You can start by unplugging electronics when you’re not using them. Did you know “vampire” power can account for 20% of your monthly electric bill? That’s right—plugged-in devices are still sucking up power, even if they’re turned off. When you leave your phone charger in the wall, you’re leeching money from your own pocket. Try to keep the nonessentials unplugged until you need them, and your bill will be looking lighter in no time.
Thermostat settings can be a hot point of debate in some households, and for good reason: they account for a significant portion of your utility bills. That doesn’t mean you have to layer up with sweaters. If you set your thermostat back 7-10 degrees while you’re away—or while you’re sleeping—you could save as much as 10% on climate control annually. No need to heat an empty house. And science says it’s better to sleep in a cold room anyway. The same principle applies when you’re dealing with the summer heat: cut the A/C when you’re out, and it’ll add up fast.
Some energy-saving tricks, you can set and forget. Next time a light bulb goes out, for example, you could replace it with an LED that uses 80% less energy compared to traditional incandescent bulbs. Daily routines, on the other hand, can benefit from a little planning. Did you know that power can have different prices depending on the time of day? Check with your utility company—it might offer reduced rates or rebates if you use electricity during off-peak hours. You could pay less if you wait to use energy-intensive appliances outside of peak hours. If your off-peak period starts in the late evening, for example, it’ll be cheaper to run your dishwasher right before you go to bed. With a little research, you could rack up serious savings.
At the end of the day, you have more control over your energy usage than you might think. All your efforts—from simple habits to serious changes—play a part in lightening the load.
Looking for more ways to save energy? A few smart Generac solutions can make a big difference.
Manage your home temperature with an Energy Star-certified ecobee smart thermostat, and you could save up to 23% on heating and cooling.
If you have solar panels, the PWRcell 2 can help you avoid higher energy costs by storing energy for use during peak grid times. This can help you save further on your utility bill—that’s nothing to sneeze at.
